Overbed table



Jan. 10, 19 56 H. HOLMBERG 2,730,422

OVERBED TABLE Filed March 15, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR. H9717 70/777Ze7 Jan. 10, 1956 H. HOLMBERG 2,730,422

OVERBED TABLE Filed larch l5, 5 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 rain 2345f Jan. 10,1956 H. HOLMBERG 2,730,422

OVERBED TABLE Filed. larch 15, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet :5

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OVERBED TABLE Henry Holrnberg, Ludington, Mich, assignor to MarquetteManufacturing Co., Ludington, Mich, a corporation of MichiganApplication March 15, 1954, Serial No. 416,354

11 Claims. (Cl. 312-316) This invention relates to new and usefulimprovements in overbed tables.

- Overbedtables conventionally are made with a top which projectslaterally from an upright supporting standard. The standard usually isvertically adjustable to position the table at a selected height mostconvenient to the user. In practice, the top is pushed across the bedfrom the side with the top suitably spaced above the bed so as toprovide a convenient supporting surface. These tables have a variety ofuses. For example, they may be used as a dining table to: support apatients meals or as a writing desk or as a support for a book ormagazine. .Also, these tables conventionally are equipped with asmallJd-rawer at one side thereof in which various sundries such ascigarettes, playing cards, cosmetics and the like can be kept.

Conventional overbed tables of the type referred to above have thedisadvantage that the drawer is accessible with the supporting standardat one side only of the bed. If the table is used with a standard at thewrong side of the bed the drawer opens toward the foot of the bed and ispractically inaccessible to the patient. Also, the top'of a conventionaltable usually is fixedly mounted in a horizontal position and thus doesnot position -a book or the like properly for reading by a patientlying-on .the bed.

An important object of the present invention is to providean overbedtable having a central compartment in the top equipped with a top coverthat can be opened from either side of the table so as to make thecompartment readily accessible with the standard disposed at either sideof the bed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an overbed table of theabove-mentioned character wherein the cover for the compartment is flushwith the table top so that when closed it serves as a part of the topand also as a coverfor the compartment.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an overbed table ofthe above-mentioned character having a novel pivot mounting forthe coverwhich permits the latter to be opened as easily from one side of thetable as from the other.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an overbed tableof theabove-mentioned character wherein the pivot mountings for the cover holdthe latter securely stationary when closedv and flush with the tabletop.

A further object of the invention is to provide an .overbed table of theabove-mentioned character wherein the cover. is adapted for use as asupport for books and the like and which includes means for holding thecover in a selected partially open position so that it can be disposedto'position the book for maximum reading convenience.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In-the drawings forming a part of this specification, wherein likenumerals are employed todesignate like parts throughout the same:

i (not shown).

ice

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an overbed table embodying the inventionshowing parts broken away for clearness of illustration and illustratingthe cover in an open position;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 22 ofFig. 1 illustrating the manner in which the cover is open from eitherside of the table;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, transverse, sectional view taken on the line 33of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, plan view of the table top, parts of the topbeing broken away and shown in section to better illustrate a part ofthe pivot mounting for the cover; I

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 4but showing the cover open instead of closed;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 6-6of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 77of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary, elevational view looking in the direction ofthe arrow 8 in Fig. 2.

As perhaps best shown in Fig. 1, the overbed table embodying the instantinvention comprises a top 10 mounted on and fastened to a standard 12which in turn is carried by a suitable base 14. The instant invention isconcerned primarily with the top 10 and theparticular supporting meanshere shown is more or less conventional. It should perhaps be pointedout, however, that the standard 12 is disposed at corresponding ends ofthe top 10 and of the base 14 so that both the top and the base extendlaterally in the same direction from the standard. As a result of thisparticular relationship between the primary parts of the structure, thebase is positioned'properly to support the weight of the top 10. Also,this particular unique relationship between the parts permits the tableto be used conveniently with a bed The top 10 is simply pushed over thebed from the side and the base 14 extends under the bed to support thetop in this position. In the form of the invention shown the standard 12comprises inner and outer telescoping members 16 and 18 that can beadjusted as required to position the top 10 at a desired height. Anysuitable or conventional means such as a set screw 19 or the like can beemployed to hold the members 16 and 18 in a selected adjusted position.Also, the base 14 preferably is equipped with wheels or casters 20 forconvenience in moving the table. 12 is provided at the upper end thereofwith a header 22 that supports the top It), and screws (not shown)extending upwardly into the top through holes 24 in the header hold thetop fastened securely to the standard.'

- The top 10 here shown comprises a pair of spaced top panels 26 and 28on a generally rectangular frame con sistingof longitudinal members 31}which extend along the sides of the panels and transverse members 32 atthe ends of the panels. Screws'34 countersunk into the lower edges ofthe frame members 30 and 32 fasten the top securely thereto. The spacingbetween the two top panels 26 and 28- provides an opening 36therebetween, and a movable cover 38 is provided in the opening. Whenthe .cover 38 is closed it extends flush with the fixed top The standard7 for patients that are able to sit up in bed. Also, the table top canbe used conveniently for writing letters and for many similar relatedand analogous purposes.

In addition to the above, it is desirable in a table of this kind toprovide a drawer or compartment 104 in which various sundries can bekept. Manifestly, it is not possible or convenient in every instance toposition the table at one side only of the bed. In many situations it.may be most convenient to position the table at one side of the bed, andunder other circumstances it may be most convenient to have the table atthe opposite side of the bed. Consequently, it is desirable that thedrawer or compartment 104 be equally accessible from either side of thetable.

Also, it. is desirable to provide the table with. an up wardly swinging,panel 38 that can be used to support a book or the like and to providethe undersurface of this panel with a mirror 39 that can be convenientlyused by the person lying or sitting on the bed. The same problem ispresented by the panel 38 as with the drawer. Either two panels must beprovided, each operable from opposite sides of the table, or, a singlepanel must be provided that can be opened or raised from either side ofthe table. The latter expedient is preferred in the interest of economyof construction and simplicity of operation.

It is a feature of the present invention that a compartment isincorporated in the top 10 below the cover 38 and that the latter isuniquely mounted so that it can be raised from either side of the table.When the cover 38 is closed it extends flush with the two top panels 26and 28 and closes the compartment. On the other hand, when it is openedas shown in Fig. 1 it opens the compartment. Thus the cover 13 servesboth as a part of the table top and also as a cover for the compartment.Also, the instant construction is unique in that the cover 38 ispositioned behind the compartment, whether it is opened from one side ofthe table or the other, and this is a matter of some convenience to theuser as it disposes of cosmetics or other sundries kept in thecompartment for ready accessibility and positions the mirror on theundersurface of the cover where it can be used most conveniently.

The manner in which the cover 38 is mounted for convenient operationfrom either side of the table is now described in detail. Specifically,pairs of pivot mountings are provided at opposite ends of the cover 38.Thus, four pivot mountings are provided, one at each corner of thecover.

The four pivot mountings are identical and a detailed description of onetherefore is sutficient. Each mount-- ing: comprises a pin or pivot 40,a bearing plate 42, and a supporting plate 44. The pivot 40 is embeddedin the inner edge of the adjacent top panel and it projects for a short.distance into the top opening 36. The bearing. plate 42 is fastened toan edge of the cover 38 by screws 46, and the plate is provided with adownwardly" opening. slot 48 which receives the pin 40. The bearingplate 42 is countersunk into the edge of the cover 38 so that it extendsflush with the edge, and since the cover fits snug ly between the toppanels 26 and 28 the pin 40 extends into the slot 48. As perhaps bestshown in Fig- 3, the inner portion of the slot 48 which opens throughthe bottom edge of the bearing plate 42 is inclined. upwardly andoutwardly, and the outer portion of the slot isessentially horizontal orparallel with the top surface of the cover 38. At the outer sidethereof, the-bearing plate 42 is provided with a downwardly projectingportion 50 which extends below the cover 38, and it is significant thatthe inner edge 52 of the projection extends downwardly from the slot 48so that it provides 8.. guide for the pin 4.0 as it moves into and outof the slot. The supporting plate 44 is fastened by screws 56 or thelike toone or the other of the frame members 32 at the sides of opening36. Preferably, the supporting plate 44 is made of relatively thin sheetmetal, and the mounting screws 56 are countersunk into the plate so asnot to interfere with pivctal movement of the cover 38. Of particularsignif icance, in so far as the instant invention is concerned, is thefact that each supporting plate 44 is provided with an inwardlyprojecting arcuate flange 58 disposed concentrically with respect to thepin 40 and spaced radially therefrom a distance equal or substantiallyequal to the distance between the end of the slot 48 and the adjacentedge of the cover 38. The longitudinal framepieces 30 are recessed as at60 below the cover 38 and the flanges 58 extend from the recessed edgeof the framepieces.

The pins of the two pivot mountings at. each. end of the cover 38 arealigned transversely of the opening 36, and the aligned pins in eachinstance define a pivot axis for the cover when the latter is opened orclosed. Also, the pins 40 are so arranged that they mutually support thecover 33 when the latter is closed. As perhaps best shown in Fig. 3,each of the pins 40 is disposed in its respective slot 48 when the cover38 is closed, and the pins are disposed at substantially the juncturesof the angularly related.

inner and outer portions of the slots. Thus, since the pins 40- extendinwardly from the stationary top panels 26 and 28, the cover 38 when inthe closed position is in.

effect suspended on. the four pins 40.

A primary advantage of this arrangement is that it permits they cover 38to be opened from either side of the table. For example, if theleft-hand end of the cover 38 (as viewed in Fig. 3), is raised, initialopening movement causes the inclined portions of the slots 48 of thebearing plates 42, at the left side of the cover to move along. theco-operating pins 40. As this action occurs, the edges of the slots actagainst the. pins 40 to shift the cover 38. transversely to the left ofthe table top. As the cover 38 shifts in the manner described, the pins40 of the right-hand pivot mountings move outwardly in their slots 48and by the time the left-hand pins 48 dis:- engage their respective slot48, the right-hand pins 40 are positioned at or substantially at theouter ends of their slots 48. It will be observed in this connectionthat. the cover 38 projects slightly beyond the longitudinal framepieces30 and the transverse shifting movement of the cover also brings theright-hand end of the cover (as viewed in Fig. 3) into register with theinturned flange 58 of the adjacent supporting plates 44. Continuedupward pivotal movement of the cover causes the edges 52 of theleft-hand bearing plates 42 to ride. along the pins 40. As this action:occurs, the right-hand end of the cover 38 moves onto the co-operatingflanges 58. Thus, by the time the edges 52' disengage the pins 40, theright-hand end of the cover is supported by the flanges 58. Thereafter,continued opening movement of the cover 38 causes the latter to swing orpivot about the right-hand pins 40 as the right-hand end thereof issupported by the cooperating flanges 58. If desirable, the ends of thecover can be provided with wear plates 62 to withstand the rubbing;action which occurs between the cover and the supporting plates 44.Suitable stops in the form of pins 64 are provided at the inner ends ofthe supporting plates 44 to. limit upward swinging movement of the cover38. The stops 64 preferably are positioned sufficiently inwardly withrespect to the pivot pins 40 so that the cover may assume an upwardlyand outwardly inclined position when fully opened, as shown in Fig. 1.

The converse action occurs when the cover 38 is I opened from theopposite side of the table. As the'righthand end of the cover 38 (asviewed in Fig. 3) is raised, the left-hand pivot pins 40 move outwardlyin their slots 48 and: the right-hand pivot pins 40 ride along theguiding edges 52 to cause the cover 38 to shift laterally so as to bringthe left-hand end thereof into alignment with the supporting flanges 58of the cooperating plates 44. Thereafter, continuing opening movement ofthe cover 38 causes the right-hand bearing plates 42 to disengage theright-hand bearing plates 42 altogether, and thereafter the cover 38swings about the left-hand pivots 40 and is supported by the left-handsupporting plates 44. The mirror 39 is positioned for use when the cover38 is raised or opened regardless of whether it is opened from the rightor left side of the top 10.

Mechanism is provided for holding the cover 38 in different adjusted,partially open positions and this mechanism comprises separate deviceslocated at diagonally opposite corners of the cover. These devices areidentical, and a detailed description of one therefore is sufficient. Asperhaps best shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, each of the cover-holdingdevices comprises an elongated arm 66 hav ing a longitudinal slot 68which receives pins 70 and 72 secured to the adjacent frame members 32.The pins 70 and 72 are here shown in the form of ordinary wood screws,and suitable spacers 74 are interposed between the arm 66 and thesupporting framepiece 32 to hold the arm away from the framepiece adistance sufficient to clear the adjacent supporting plate 44 and stop64. Washers 74 and 76 under the heads of the screws 70 and 72 hold' thearm 66 properly for sliding movement on the screws. In this connectionit will be observed that the washer 76 is spaced outwardly from the arm66 and a spring 76 interposed therebetween is normally tensioned topress against the arm and thus yieldably resist sliding movementthereof. If necessary or desirable a second washer 80 can be interposedbetween the arm 69 and the inner end of the spring '78 to serve as afriction member against the arm. Thus, it will be seen that the arm 66is free to slide back and forth on the pins or screws 70 and 72 withinlimits defined by the slot 68 and that movement of the arm is yieldablyresisted by the spring 78.

When the arm 66 is in the outermost position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3,the outer end thereof is disposed in proximity to the adjacent sideframe member 30, and a notch 82 in the upper edges thereof is disposedto receive a pin 84 extending laterally from a depending supportingbracket 86 fastened to the underside of the cover 38 by screws 88. Thearrangement is such that the pin 84 enters the notch 82 after the cover38 has been partially raised. After the pin 84 enters the notch 82,continued opening movement of the cover 38 causes the pin to move thearm inwardly or away from the adjacent side frame member 30. When thecover 38 is fully opened, the arm 66 occupies substantially the positionshown in Fig. 5. By properly tensioning the spring 78, the cover 38 canbe held in substantially a desired, partially open position after thepin 84 enters the notch 82. The resilient action of the spring 78 ofcourse holds the cover 38 yieldably in the fully open position and tendsto prevent inadvertent closure of the cover. In the particular form ofthe invention shown, the arm 66 is formed with two angularly relatedportions 90 and 92 in order to accommodate the arcuate swinging movementof the cover 38.

Boxlike guards 94 are mounted over the arms 66 at opposite sides and atsubstantially the middle of the opening 36. These guards are fastened inany suitable and convenient way to the top and in the form of theinvention shown are fastened to the adjacent frame members 32-by screws96 and 93. Holes 100 are provided in the guards in register with thescrews '70 in order to permit the spring 78 to be selectively tensionedwithout removal of the guards.

As perhaps best shown in Fig. 6 the guards 94 are spaced downwardly fromthe cover 38 so as to accommodate the extending flanges 102 of a tray1%. As shown in Fig. 1 the tray 104 is placed in the opening 36 with thesupporting flanges 102 resting on and supported by the guards 94 atopposite sides of the opening. The tray 104 is narrower than the openingso as to accommodate the lower portions of the cover 33 when the latteris raised, as shown in Fig. 2. It is, of course, necessary that amplespace be provided at both sides of the tray to accommodate the cover 38when the latter is opened from either side of the table. inturnedflanges 106 on opposite ends of the guards 94 embrace the tray and holdthe same properly centered in the opening 36. Manifestly, the tray 104is covered, concealed, and protected when the cover 38 is closed, and itis exposed for use in front of the cover when the latter is opened fromeither side of the table (Fig. 2).

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable cover inthe opening; means supporting said cover for upward pivotal openingmovement from either side of said top comprising pairs of pivotmountings at opposite ends of the cover, each pair of mountingscomprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting from the top into saidopening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates on said cover havingdownwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, and supporting plates onthe table at opposite sides of said opening having inturned arcuateflanges disposed concentrically with respect to said pivots forsupporting said cover during pivotal movement thereof.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bearing platesmutually coact with said pivots to hold the closed cover against lateralsliding movement.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein the ends of the coverextend beyond said supporting plates, and including cam means operableby initial opening movement of the cover to move the pivoted end thereoflaterally inwardly into register with the flanges of said supportingplates.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein the slots in saidbearing plates have angularly upwardly inclined portions terminating inoutward extensions forming guides for directing the pivoted end of thecover into register with the flanges of said supporting plates.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bearing plateshave downward extensions engageable with said pivots to prevent movementof the pivoted end of the cover laterally outwardly away from thesupporting plates during initial opening movement of said cover.

6. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable cover inthe opening; means supporting said cover for upward pivotal openingmovement from either side of said top comprising pairs of pivotmountings at opposite ends of the cover, each pair of mountingscomprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting from the top into saidopening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates on said cover havingdownwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, supporting plates on thetable at opposite sides of said opening having inturned arcuate flangesdisposed concentrically with respect to said pivots for supporting saidcover during pivotal movement thereof, and means for holding said coverin different adjusted partially open positions.

7. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable cover inthe opening; means supporting said cover for upward pivotal openingmovement from either side of said top comprising pairs of pivotmountings at opposite ends of the cover, each pair of mountingscomprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting from the top into saidopening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates on said cover havingdownwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, and supporting plates onthe table at opposite sides of said opening having inturned arcuateflanges disposed concentrically with respect to said pivots forsupporting said cover during pivotal movement thereof; and means forholding said cover in different adjusted partially open positionscomprising a slidable arm carried by said table at each side of saidopening and below said cover, yieldable means frictionally engaging saidarms to resist sliding movement thereof, and elements on said cover atopposite ends thereof selectively movable individually into engagementwith and detachably connectible to said arms by pivotal actuation ofsaid cover.

8. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said arms havenotches and said selectively movable elements are in the form of pinsmovable into and interlocki'ngly engageable with said notches.

9". The combination as set forth in claim 7 including a removable trayin the opening, and covers for said arm supporting said tray.

10. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said yieldable meansincludes spring members and adjusting screws for selectively tensioningsaid spring members, and including a removable tray in the opening ofsaid table, and covers for said arms. fastened to the top supportingsaid tray, said covers having openings in register with and providingaccess to said adjusting screws.

11. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable coverin the opening having projecting end portions; means supporting saidcover for upward pivotal opening movement from either side of said topcomprising pairs of pivot mountings at opposite ends of the cover, eachpair of mountings comprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting fromthe top into said opening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates onsaid cover having downwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, andsupporting plates on the table at opposite sides of the opening havinginturned arcuate flanges disposed concentrically with respect to saidpivots for supporting said cover during pivotal movement thereof, saidslots having angularly upwardly and outwardly inclined portionsterminating in outward extensions forming guides coactive with saidpivots during initial opening movement of the cover to move the adjacentend portion of the cover into register with said supporting plates.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,346,919 Hillenbrand Apr. 18, 1944 2,628,147 Berner Feb. 10, 19532,685,486 Woller Aug. 3, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 89,686 Austria Mar. 15,1922

